The Cheltenham Borough Council Planning Committee met on Thursday 18 September 2025, approving plans for structural strengthening work at the Pitville Pump Room and granting permission for extensions at 41 Hales Close. The committee also discussed and approved several other planning applications, including those for Grevil Road, Hamilton Street, The Nurseries, and the Scout Headquarters. An update on planning appeals was also presented.

Pitville Pump Room East Approach Drive

The committee granted listed building consent for works at the Pitville Pump Room. The application sought to remove the existing floor deck and install a new one with structural strengthening beneath. This work is intended to enable the use of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) for regular interior inspections and maintenance, thereby reducing the need for disruptive scaffolding. The proposed strengthening works will be entirely concealed beneath a new oak floor, ensuring no visual impact on the Grade I listed building. The existing floor, which is relatively modern and deteriorating, would need replacement in any case. The decision was approved with eight votes in favour, none against, and no abstentions.

41 Hales Close

Planning permission was granted for a single-storey front extension and single-storey and two-storey rear extensions at 41 Hales Close. This application followed a previous scheme that was withdrawn due to concerns about scale, design, and impact on neighbouring amenity. The revised plans addressed these concerns by removing the two-storey front extension and reducing the scale of the rear extensions.

During the debate, concerns were raised by objectors, including Joanna Drum and Councillor Christopher Day, the ward member, regarding the potential impact on light, privacy, noise, parking, and the overall character of the street. Councillor Day specifically highlighted potential conflicts with national and local planning policies, including the Highways Act 1980, due to the lack of a dropped kerb.

Officers noted that the proposed extensions were considered to sit comfortably within the site, achieve subservience, and be of an acceptable form. The relevant amenity tests were passed, and the new first-floor rear extension would meet the required window to boundary distance. While parking was a concern, officers stated that the development would not increase the number of bedrooms and the property would remain a single residential dwelling. The applicant's agent confirmed that a separate application for a dropped kerb would be submitted if the parking provision were to be implemented.

The committee voted to permit the application with eight votes in favour and two abstentions.

Other Planning Applications Approved

• 2-20 Grevil Road, 44-64 Orchard Way and 210-228 Arle Road: Planning permission was unanimously granted for this application.
• 11 Hamilton Street, Charlton Kings: The committee granted permission for this development, despite significant objections from residents concerning parking and highway issues. A motion to defer the decision was defeated.
• The Nurseries, Kidnappers Lane, Leckhampton: Permission was unanimously granted for this application to replace an existing stable block.
• Scout Headquarters, 207 Leckhampton Road: The committee unanimously granted permission for the redevelopment of the Scout Headquarters, acknowledging the importance of the scouting movement and the need for updated facilities.

Appeal Update

The committee received an update on planning appeals. Notable decisions included the dismissal of an appeal for development at 5 Merriville Gardens due to its negative impact on the character and appearance of the area, and the dismissal of an appeal for up to five self-build dwellings on Land Opposite Ham Road, Charlton Kings, also due to adverse effects on the Cotswolds National Landscape. However, an appeal for a single dwelling at 52 River Leys was allowed, with the inspector finding no harm to the character and appearance of the area.